In this photo illustration, a smartphone displays the 'Uber' mobile application which allows users to hail private-hire cars from any location on June 2, 2014 in London, England | Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Uber to challenge British drivers’ language requirement

It won the right to legally challenge licensing proposals for private-hire drivers.

Uber said it won the right to legally challenge Transport for London (TfL) over new rules that force drivers to pass an English language test, BBC reported Friday.

It had applied for judicial review of regulations in TfL’s licensing proposals for private-hire drivers.

TfL wanted all private-hire drivers from non-English-speaking countries tested in reading, writing and listening skills from October 1. With more than 30,000 drivers in London, Uber said the test was unnecessary and costly.

“TfL’s plans threaten the livelihoods of thousands of drivers in London, while also stifling tech companies like Uber,” Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber London, said according to the BBC.

TfL responded that the requirements were meant to “enhance public safety.”